PhD Course: Planning Urban Transformations and Transitions

7–9 October 2026 | Aalborg University, Denmark | 3 or 5 ECTS

How can planning contribute not only to understanding urban transformations, but also to actively shaping transformative change?

Aalborg University invites PhD researchers to participate in the PhD course Planning Urban Transformations and Transitions, organised by the Planning for Urban Sustainability (PLUS) research group.
Urban planning is inherently concerned with long-term transformative change. Yet, the dynamics through which such change occurs — and the role that planning can play in enabling, contesting or redirecting it — remain challenging both theoretically and practically.
The course brings spatial planning into conversation with transition studies and Science and Technology Studies (STS). It explores how political and institutional conditions, technologies, infrastructures, socio-material arrangements and collective action interact in processes of urban transformation.
Participants will work across the relationship between structural conditions and tactical and everyday practices, engaging with and beyond three contemporary urban transformation agendas: Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), The 15-Minute City, Circular Urban Economies. 
Through keynote lectures, thematic tracks, co-creative workshops and structured feedback sessions, the course provides an intensive environment for participants to critically discuss theories and approaches to urban transformation while developing their own PhD research.

Who should participate?
The course is particularly relevant for PhD researchers working within urban and spatial planning, sustainability transitions, urban governance, urban transformations, transition studies, Science and Technology Studies, and related fields.
Participants are expected to bring their own research into the course and will receive feedback from faculty and peers.

3 or 5 ECTS
Participants can follow one of two tracks:
3 ECTS: Submit a short abstract of approximately 300 words presenting the PhD research topic, research questions, theoretical framing and empirical focus.
5 ECTS: Submit a full paper of approximately 4,000–8,000 words based on the PhD research. Papers will receive structured feedback from faculty and peers during the course.

All participants will give a short presentation of their research and actively participate in discussions, workshops and group work.

Practical information
 Dates: 7–9 October 2026
 Place: Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
 ECTS: 3 or 5 ECTS
 Maximum number of participants: 30
 Registration deadline: 16 September 2026

Course organiser: Enza Lissandrello, Aalborg University
Lecturers: Planning for Urban Sustainability (PLUS) research group, Aalborg University
Further information and registration:
https://phd.moodle.aau.dk/blocks/vitrina/detail.php?id=2946